Program Spotlights

Academic Program

The Bachelor of Science in Ocupational Education is a functional major. No minor is required. The degree can be achieved as a traditional Bachelor of Science four year degree or as a “2+2” program designed to build upon an associate’s of applied sciences degree in occupational education from a participating accredited community college. This degree may also complete Missouri Vocational Teacher Certification requirements for trade and industrial and health sciences instructors.

Students obtain job relevance and valid, reliable, career experience through participatory planning and affiliation with industry, career education school practitioners, professional associations, and representatives of UCM.

Facilities

Most courses are delivered in non-traditional format methods. Courses are delivered online, weekend format on and off campus, evenings on and off campus, and in regional locations across the state to meet student needs for timely, convenient delivery.

Faculty

The program coordinator and lead faculty person for the occupational education major is Mrs. Lori Cochran. She teaches major courses and supervises teaching and administrative internships. She brings valuable insights to the classroom based on her 15+ years in industry and 9 years of teaching experience. Other major courses are taught by University of Central Missouri full-time and part-time faculty housed in the College of Applied Sciences and Technology and the College of Education and Human Services, and practitioner adjuncts across the state.

Special Opportunities and Services

New Teacher Institute
New Teacher Institute (NTI – T&OE 4140) is a state education grant-funded new career education teacher induction program and class. It consists of a one week intensive summer training session followed by fall and spring semester callback sessions. Learning objectives include an introduction to the teaching process, career educator resources, and the importance of career educator networking. Application for NTI requires Vocational Teacher Certification along with a submitted application. For application details go to MCCE's website.

Teacher Placement
Central has a 93% placement rate for its graduates within six months of graduation. The Office of Career Services hosts an annual Teacher Placement Day each spring. Nearly 200 school districts attend to recruit students for all positions within the field of education.

Professional Organizations
Though there is not a student organization specifically for occupational education students/teachers, many of the participants of this degree program are members of, and carry certification through, professional organizations within their teaching/technical specialty area. For example, most of the automotive technology instructors are members of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and welding technology teachers belong to American Welding Society (AWS).